Use Of Alkali Research Articles

Sequence-specific electrochemical detection of double-strand PCR amplicons of PML/RARα fusion gene in acute promyelocytic leukemia

A novel electrochemical method for the sequence-specific detection of double-stranded polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of PML/RARα fusion gene in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) was described in detail. Based on a "sandwich" sensing mode involving a pair of locked nucleic acids probes (capture probe and reporter probe), this DNA sensor exhibited excellent selectivity and specificity. The direct and quantitative analysis of double-stranded complementary was firstly performed by our sensor without the use of alkali, helicase enzymes, or denaturants. Finally, combining PCR technique with electrochemical detection scheme, PCR amplicons (191 bp) of the PML/RARα fusion gene were obtained and rapidly identified with a low detection limit of 79 fmol in the 100-μL hybridization system. The results clearly showed the power of sensor as a promising tool for the sensitive, specific, and portable detection of APL and other diseases.

The Use of Vacuum Impregnation for Debittering Green Olives

The aim of this research was to assess the possibility of shortening the length of the debittering process for green table olive ‘Domat’ cultivar by vacuum impregnation (VI). For this purpose, debittering was carried out with NaCl (3 %), NaOH (1.5 %) and NaOH (1.5 %) + NaCl (3 %) solutions at atmospheric conditions and under vacuum (68 kPa). The effects of these applications on some physicochemical properties (total dry matter, total ash, titratable acidity, salt, protein, oil, oleuropein, total phenolics, antioxidant activity and colour) of the processed samples were determined. Total dry matter, titratable acidity, salt, protein and oil contents of the samples changed between 24.23 and 27.90, 0.22 and 0.45, 2.27 and 2.58, 0.50 and 1.26 and 6.79 and 9.42 % (w/w), respectively. Colour parameters (lightness (L*); redness (a*); yellowness (b*)) of the processed olives were measured as between 41.72 and 51.29, 15.09 and 13.30 and 22.79 and 34.84, respectively. Hue angles of the processed samples were changed between 59.78 and 68.52. VI was a useful tool for the shortening of the period of debittering process. Use of NaOH combined with NaCl in VI process caused the debittering period to decrease to 6 h. However, reduction of the amount of total phenolic compounds was the highest (21.43 %) in this condition. Use of alkali for debittering caused more dry matter diffusion from olive to the solution. There was no statistically significant difference between the oleuropein and total ash contents of the processed samples (p < 0.01). Alkali treatment also caused more oil loss from the olives. Antioxidant activity of the samples reduced up to 59.89 %. This research was the first using VI for debittering of olives; further studies are necessary to optimise process conditions of debittering for limiting loss of natural antioxidants and other components and to ensure maximum benefits to the consumer.

Metabolic Alkalosis From Unsuspected Ingestion: Use of Urine pH and Anion Gap

Underlying causes of metabolic alkalosis may be evident from history, evaluation of effective circulatory volume, and measurement of urine chloride concentration. However, identification of causes may be difficult for certain conditions associated with clandestine behaviors, such as surreptitious vomiting, use of drugs or herbal supplements with mineralocorticoid activity, abuse of laxatives or diuretics, and long-term use of alkalis. In these circumstances, clinicians often are bewildered by unexplained metabolic alkalosis from an incomplete history or persistent deception by the patient, leading to misdiagnosis and poor outcome. We present a case of severe metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia with a borderline urine chloride concentration in an alcoholic patient treated with a thiazide. The cause of the patient's metabolic alkalosis eventually was linked to surreptitious ingestion of baking soda. This case highlights the necessity of a high index of suspicion for the diverse clandestine behaviors that can cause metabolic alkalosis and the usefulness of urine pH and anion gap in its differential diagnosis.

Copper modified waste fly ash as a promising catalyst for glycerol hydrogenolysis

Several catalyst formulations using waste fly ash along with Cu were prepared and characterised by XRD, BET and TEM. These catalysts were also evaluated for the first time for hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2 propanediol (1,2-PDO) in a batch reactor under 52bar H2 pressure in the temperature range of 473–513K conditions. The fly ash pretreated by alkali using the fusion method and impregnated with Cu showed higher activity and stability for glycerol hydrogenolysis. Due to pretreatment with alkali at high temperature, transformation of α-quartz to the tridymite phase of SiO2 occurred. More importantly, use of alkali either during the pretreatment or the Cu loading step resulted in a high dispersion on the surface which was responsible for higher glycerol conversion and 1,2-PDO selectivity. The effects of temperature, Cu loading and solvent on glycerol conversion and product selectivities were also studied in this work.

Non-autoclaved high strength cellular concrete from alkali activated slag

In this study, the use of alkali activated slag (AAS) in place of usual cementitious materials in the production of autoclave aerated concrete (AAC) was studied. This substitution altered autoclave curing stage by steam curing in AAC production process. In this way, after mixing of AAS paste with aluminum powder, enough time was given to the mixture. The resultant green body was then cured at 70, 78 and 87 °C. To achieve the best results, microscopic pore structure, compressive strength of the body and mini-slump of initial paste were studied. The results approved that AAC can be produced without autoclave by using AAS.

Continuous synthesis of Zn 2SiO 4:Mn 2+ fine particles in supercritical water at temperatures of 400–500 °C and pressures of 30–35 MPa

Sub-micron sized Zn 2SiO 4:Mn 2+ phosphors particles were continuously synthesized in supercritical water with a flow reactor. Colloidal silica or sodium silicate was used as the Si source. Zn and Mn sources were chosen from their nitrates, sulfates, and acetates. The syntheses were carried out at temperatures from 400 to 500 °C, at pressures from 30 to 35 MPa, at NaOH concentrations from 0.014 to 0.025 M, and for residence times from 0.025 to 0.18 s. Sodium silicate formed α- and β-Zn 2SiO 4:Mn 2+ phases regardless of the Zn and Mn sources, while colloidal silica formed phases dependent on the type of Zn and Mn sources used in addition to the use of alkali. As the reaction temperature increased, the crystallinity of α-Zn 2SiO 4:Mn 2+ phase increased and the Mn substitution into the Zn sites of the α-Zn 2SiO 4 phase decreased. Of the conditions studied, the most highly crystalline α-Zn 2SiO 4:Mn 2+ was produced at a temperature of 400 °C, a pressure of 30 MPa, a NaOH concentration of 0.14 M, and a residence time of 0.13 s with Zn and Mn sulfates and colloidal silica as starting materials. The α-Zn 2SiO 4:Mn 2+ fine particles synthesized were round in shape, had an average diameter of 268 nm, and exhibited a green-emission with a peak wavelength of 524 nm.

Geopolymer synthesis using alkaline activation of natural zeolite

The influence of activator ratio, time, and curing temperature on the mechanical strength of geopolymers synthesized from natural zeolite was evaluated by employing silicate solutions and sodium hydroxide. The results demonstrated that an increase in the activator ratio as well as that of curing time favors mechanical strength in the material. Nevertheless, with 90 day of curing time and 80 °C or a greater curing temperature, have a negative effect on strength. Through characterization by X-ray diffraction a slight shift along with an increase in the amorphous halo between 20° and 30° (2 θ) was observed and is characteristic of geopolymers. SEM–EDS analysis indicated the presence of Na and an increase in the Si/Al ratio from 8 to 11.5 with the incorporation of activators. The results indicate that the use of alkali and silicate activators on non commercial zeolite could be use in the synthesis of geopolymers.

Use of Alkali–Silica Reaction-Affected Recycled Concrete Aggregate in Hot-Mix Asphalt

The effects of using alkali–silica reaction-affected recycled concrete aggregate (ASR-RCA) in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) were investigated. The goal of the study was to determine if the asphalt binder provided sufficient moisture protection to prevent reexpansion of existing ASR gel or occurrence of new ASR. Expansion tests were performed with a dilatometer on RCAs to determine the possibility of new ASR occurring in reactive aggregates in the HMA. Micro-Deval and freeze–thaw tests measure higher mass loss in ASR-RCAs than that in virgin aggregates, which is caused by preexisting aggregate microcracks and ASR gel in ASR-RCAs. Moisture damage testing indicated good moisture resistance of HMA mixtures made with ASR-RCA, especially when compared with virgin siliceous aggregate. Expansion testing indicated that both ASR-RCAs were still reactive with 0.5 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution saturated with calcium hydroxide (CaOH2) at 60°C. Expansion testing of HMA specimens in NaOH + CaOH2 solution at 60°C indicated a reaction between the asphalt binder and the solution, but little ASR. However, expansion testing in deicer solution at the same temperature indicated that some ASR may have occurred along with the primary binder-solution interaction. The volume change characteristics associated with the binder–solution interaction with and without ASR was supported by the change in pH and alkali concentration of the test solution. The potential distress mechanisms are identified, and possible remedial measures as guidelines are recommended for the use of ASR-RCA in HMA.

Effects of chemical pretreatments on δ18O measurements, chemical composition, and morphology of chironomid head capsules

Stable oxygen isotope measurements on fossil chironomid head capsules from lake sediments show that these chitinous remains can be used to reconstruct past lake water d 18 O and, indirectly, past climate change. We examined the impact of chemical pretreatment procedures on the chemical and stable oxygen isotope composition, and morphology of chironomid cuticles. Use of alkali, acids, and sodium chlorite alters the chemical composition and the morphological structure of chironomid cuticles by selective removal of chitin or proteins. Gas chro- matograms of pyrolyzates show that NaClO2 causes deproteination, whereas the combined use of HCl and HF results in partial chitin removal. Head capsules pretreated with KOH contained both chitin- and protein-derived moieties, although the concentration of protein was reduced, especially after KOH treatment at high concentration (28%) and tempera- ture (100C). Scanning electron microscopy con- firmed that a proteinaceous matrix is still present in modern and fossil head capsules after KOH treat- ment. This matrix, however, is largely absent in head capsules pretreated with NaClO2. A change in the proportion of chitin and proteins in our samples was associated with differences in chironomid d 18 O values. Our results suggest that deproteination results in a relative increase of chironomid d 18 O, whereas removal of chitin leads to decreased d 18 O values. We

Role of Alkali Treatment on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Bamboo Particles Reinforced Polyvinylchloride Composites

In order to illustrate the role of alkali treatment of bamboo particles reinforced polyvinylchloride composites (BPPC), bamboo particles were treated by alkali aqueous solution with a serial concentration of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5% and 10%. Mechanical, thermal properties of alkali treated BPPC and micro-micrographs of the fracture surface were researched and compared with raw bamboo particles fabricated BPPC respectively. Results showed that tensile strength of BPPC increased before the solution reached the concentration of 5% and got a maximum value of 15.07MPa at the concentration of 5%. The curve decreased significantly as the concentration of solution went higher as to 10%. Modules of rupture got a highest value of 44.73MPa till reached the concentration of 2% and then decreased. Modules of elasticity increased in the whole before reached the concentration of 5% and the maximum value was 4362.48MPa which was 5 times more than the original bamboo particles. DSC curves illustrated that raw bamboo particles mixed with PVC showed a higher Tg which meant that raw fiber was not well compatible with PVC and BPPC treated with alkali solution performed a better compatibility. According to SEM observations, interface interaction of fiber-matrix that were modified of alkali solution upon bamboo particles appeared a better interlock action correlated to higher mechanical properties and better compatibility between fiber and matrix. Hence, the use of alkali treated bamboo particles as reinforcement was a feasible and competitive method of creating new materials.

Selective synthesis of isomeric dithioglycerols

Reactions of 2,3-dibromopropan-1-ol and 1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol with elemental sulfur activated in the system hydrazine hydrate-2-aminoethanol at 30–35°C gave oligomeric polysulfides which were subjected to reductive cleavage with formation of individual dithioglycerol isomers. Activation of sulfur with the use of alkali gives rise to mixtures of isomeric products.

Polyethylene Terephthalate Chemical Recycling in the Melted State

In this work the results of research on polyethylene terephthalate depolymerization by the chemical recycling method in the fused state with use of alkalis are submitted. The potential of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol reception from polymer with addition of alkalis in the melt is shown. It is established that calcium hydroxide is the optimal reagent for performing the depolymerization reaction. This method of chemical recycling does not have the demands of high temperature and pressure, it is realized in a short time and it results in products with the high cleanliness.

Effect of cyclic use and blending of alkali and good quality waters on soil properties, yield and quality of potato, sunflower and Sesbania

Degradation of soils through the use of alkali waters constitutes a major threat to irrigated agriculture especially for the cultivation of sodicity sensitive crops. The response of potato (Solanum tuberosum), sunflower (Helianthus annus) and Sesbania (Sesbania sesban) green manure to the combined use of a good quality canal water (CW, ECcw 1.1 dS/m, RSC nil, SAR 1.8) and an alkali water (AW, ECaw 3.6 dS/m, RSC 15.8 me/L, SAR 12.4) was evaluated for 5 years (1998–2003) on a well drained sandy loam soil (ECe 2.5 dS/m, pH 7.9, exchangeable sodium percentage, ESP 5.3). Increase in soil pH (8.9–9.1), salinity (4.7–5.1 dS/m) and sodicity (ESP 25–41) as a consequence of irrigation with alkali water affected the growth and yields of all the crops. The sustainability yield index (SYI) when irrigated with AW was 0.063 and 0.133 for potato and sunflower, respectively, indicating that these crops should not be irrigated with such high alkalinity waters. Cyclic use treatments included alternating irrigations with CW and AW, with CW to start with (1CW:1AW), alternating two irrigations each with CW and AW and applying CW to start with (2CW:2AW), alternating two irrigations each with CW and AW and applying AW to start with (2AW:2CW), four irrigations with AW to start with and followed by two with CW (4AW:2CW) and crop-wise alternations of CW and AW, with application of CW to potato and AW to sunflower (CWp:AWs). The SYI of potato improved to 0.703, 0.642, 0.442 and 0.579, respectively with the cyclic 1CW:1AW, 2CW:2AW, 2AW:2CW and CWp:AWs treatments. The values of SYI were 0.633 and 0.415 for potato when irrigated with blends of CW and AW in the ratio 2:1(2CW:1AW) and 1:2 (1CW:2AW), respectively. Similarly, the SYI for sunflower ranged between 0.481–0.736 and 0.512–0.592 for cyclic use and blending but was reduced to 0.394 with 4AW:2CW in cyclic use mode. When averaged for 5 years, the relative yields (compared to CW) ranged between 65–85 and 61–94% for cyclic use in potato and sunflower, respectively. However, the values ranged between 66–83 and 71–81% for blended waters. Considerable deterioration in produce quality was observed in terms of potato grade and weight loss on storage as well as the smaller seeds along and lower oil content in the case of sunflower. The overall deterioration in soil properties under different modes was related to the proportions of AW applied. Computations further indicated that with a similar proportion of CW and AW, cyclic application CW during the initial stages would minimise the adverse effects of alkali water.

A marked enhancement in the production of a highly alkaline and thermostable pectinase by Bacillus pumilus dcsr1 in submerged fermentation by using statistical methods

The production of a highly alkaline and thermostable pectinase of Bacillus pumilus was optimized in submerged fermentation using Plackett–Burman design and response surface methodology. Three fermentation variables (C:N ratio, K 2HPO 4, and pH), which were identified to significantly affect pectinase production by Plackett–Burman design were further optimized using response surface methodology of central composite design (CCD). An over all 34- and 41-fold increase in enzyme production was achieved in shake flasks and lab fermenter by the optimization of variables using statistical approaches, respectively. The enzyme was optimally active at pH 10.5 and 50 °C, and selectively degraded only the noncellulosic gummy material of ramie ( Boehmeria nivea) fibres causing 10.96% fibre weight loss, and therefore, the enzyme could find application in fibre processing industry. The use of the enzyme in fibre processing reduces the use of alkali, and the associated alkalinization of water bodies.

Effects of dosage and modulus of water glass on early hydration of alkali–slag cements

This paper examines the early hydration of alkali–slag cements activated with water glass with different n moduli and sodium metasilicate (Na 2SiO 3·5H 2O) in solution at 25 °C. The early hydration of alkali-activated blast furnace slag cements has been studied using isothermal conduction calorimetry. The cumulative heat of hydration increases by increasing the n modulus as well as the dosage of water glass, but is still lower than that of Portland cement. The compressive strength of normal-cured water glass slag cements is higher than Portland cement mortars. Drying shrinkage of alkali–slag cements is considerably higher than that of Portland cement. Consequently, industrial use of alkali–slag cement needs better understanding of the hardening mechanism and requires further research based on presented observations and results.

Analytical determination of the microbial utilization and transformation of humic acids extracted from municipal refuse.

Humic substances are usually the refractory part of natural organic matter, and in a landfill they can retain inorganic and organic micropollutants. This study has investigated analytically whether humic acids (HA) extracted by use of alkali from either fresh municipal refuse or from refuse disposed of in a landfill for up to 12 months can resist microbial degradation under aerobic conditions. When added as a supplementary nutrient source, up to 63.6% of HA was utilized and this percentage was enhanced to a mean value of 88.5% when different HA preparations were used as the sole source of carbon. In cultures of a soil microbial community containing the same preparations as sole sources of nitrogen, HA was usually completely utilized. The remaining HA re-isolated from some microbial cultures were highly depleted in carbon and, simultaneously, the nitrogen content was enhanced. The FTIR spectra were indicative of strong participation of aliphatic structural units in the refuse-related HA preparations. Because of the microbial activity, different carbonaceous substances were primarily removed from the HA structure, and an increase in nitrogenous molecular groups became apparent. The structural transformations brought about by soil microorganisms "in vitro" corresponded to those occurring naturally in HA obtained from refuse aged for 12 months in a landfill.

Use and Management of Poor Quality Waters for the Rice-Wheat Based Production System

Summary India's major improvements in food production have been made possible via a shift towards rice-wheat systems as a consequence of enhanced utilization of ground waters. Rice-wheat rotation covering 10.5 million ha contribute about 75 percent of total food production. But it is being observed now that yield increases in rice and wheat has slowed down and there is rather a decline in factor productivity. One of the major reasons for this decline is indiscriminate use of alkali waters constituting about 25-42 percent of ground waters surveyed especially in the northwestern states of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). Because of high water requirements of the system, sodication rates of soil being irrigated and their steady state pH and sodicity values are much more (about 1.8 times) than that of the low water requiring rotations like millet/maize-wheat. So there has been a dilemma on whether or not rice-wheat system should be advocated with alkali irrigation waters. Consistent research efforts have lead to the guidelines for irrigation with such waters with respect to their amendment needs (gypsum requirements, frequency and mode of application), conjunctive use with canal waters and use of organic materials and chemical fertilizers, etc. These results do show that subject to the following of specific soil-water-crop management systems, it is possible to control the build up of sodicity in soils and sustain crop yields. Options available in terms of management practices and some of the researchable issue are discussed in this paper.

Thioalkylation of Enolates, IV. α‐Alkylidenecyclopentanones by α‐Alkylidation of Methyl 2‐Oxocyclopentanecarboxylate

AbstractAn α‐alkylidation of cyclopentanone was achieved in two reaction steps in an overall yield of 20 to 79% via a zinc chloride‐catalyzed thioalkylation of the zinc enolate of methyl 2‐oxocyclopentanecarboxylate (3) and subsequent saponification/desulfurization of the β‐(phenylthio) ketone intermediates 5. For the saponification/desulfurization step DABCO proved to be the reagent of choice and superior to the use of alkali or magnesium halides.

Structure determination of ceramides and neutral glycosphingolipids by collisional activation of [M + Li] + ions

N eutral glycosphingolipids are a general class of biological molecules that are important components of cell membranes. Their basic structure (1) comprises one or more neutral sugar residues attached to a ceramide residue. The ceramide group (R = H) is a long-chain sphingoid base, such as (4E)-sphingenine [R’ = CH=CH(CH,),CH,] or sphinganine [R’ = (CH,),CHJ, that is substituted at the amino group by a fatty acyl group (R” = alkyl chain). If the R group were a simple sugar, the glycosphingolipid would be called a cerebroside or a 1-@-glycosylceramide [ 11. The structure of the glycosyl group can vary, as can the structures of both the sphingoid base and N-a@ chain. Thus, easy but complete structural elucidation of neutral glycosphingolipids has been a challenge in biochemistry, and mass spectrometry has played an important role. Derivatization and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry have been used to separately characterize the sugar, ceramide, sphingoid base, and fatty acyl components [2, 31. Egge and Peter-KataliniC [4] reviewed the many uses of fast atom bombardment (FAB) of [M + HI+, [M + Na]+, and [M HIions for structure elucidation of different types of glycosphingolipids. Of more recent application is the combination of collision-induced dissociation (CID) of FAB-desorbed [M + HI+, [M HI-, and their fragment ions 15-71. Costello and Vath [6] have contributed significantly in this latter area and have recently reviewed their work. As an alternative to using CID of [M + H]+ and [M HIions, we have been exploring the use of alkali [&lo], and alkaline earth [ll], metal ions as adducts to enhance structural determination upon CID. Here, we report our initial results of applying CID of [M + Li]+ ions to the structural determination of six ceramides and 10 neutral glycosphingolipids. All spectra were acquired by using a VG Instruments (Manchester, UK) 70-S forward geometry mass spectrometer and B/E linked scans. Precursor ions were

Detannification of oak ( Quercus incana) leaves: treatments and their optimization

Oak leaves widely available in hilly regions of various countries can be effectively utilized as livestock feed if a simple and economically viable detannification process is developed. Treatments using various organic solvents, alkalis, oxidizing agents, a tannin complexing agent, water and an acid were optimized for maximum reduction of tannins in oak ( Quercus incana) leaves. Acetone, ethanol and methanol removed tannins by about 70%. The reduction in tannins using alkalis ranged between 70 and 90%. Sodium hydroxide was most effective, followed by Na 2CO 3 and NaHCO 3. Both KMnO 4 and K 2Cr 2O 7 decreased tannin levels by about 95%. Using water, the reduction in tannin level was only 43%. The use of H 2O 2, NaOCl and aqueous HCl showed no advantage over the use of water. The tannin complexing agent, FeSO 4 reduced tannins by 85%. These reductions in tannin level were achieved under optimum conditions which were: shaking for 20 min at 25 °C using 0.05 M NaOH or Na 2CO 3, 0.1 M NaHCO 3, 30% acetone, 40% ethanol, 50% methanol, 0.02 M K 2Cr 2O 7, 0.03 M KMnO 4 or 0.015 M FeSO 4. The use of alkalis and oxidizing agents has potential for the detannification of oak leaves at an industrial scale.